The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Bauchi State has recorded 70 cases and secured three convictions from January to October, 2026.

Alhaji Atiku Kalli, State Coordinator of the agency disclosed this in an interview in Bauchi on Monday.

Kalli said other cases were ongoing in various courts, adding that the agency would not relent its efforts to bring perpetrators to book.

“From January to date, the agency was able to record 70 cases of trafficking including 25 victims that were rescued from trafficking situations involving foreign countries  in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

“The agency in collaboration with relevant stakeholders is working to receive, profile and reintegrate returned migrants into their communities,” he said.

Kalli said that NAPTIP had intensified sensitisation campaigns reaching more than 50 communities in Bauchi within the year through physical engagements.

He said the campaigns involved visits to schools, motor parks and local communities, as well as engagements with relevant stakeholders.

“The agency is into raising awareness through radio and Television programmes to reach out to millions of listeners and viewers.

“We also engaged with women groups to promote activities around trafficking and Gender based Violence.

He identified prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy as the agency’s five strategic approaches to combating human trafficking.

Kalli also disclosed that the agency has commenced investigation on complaints involving agents allegedly recruiting girls from rural communities to cities.

He said that NAPTIP was collaborating with relevant stakeholders working to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons from trafficking and exploitation.(NAN)

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has promised to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms to boost industrialization and socioeconomic development of the state.

The Governor gave the assurance while commissioning the Confluence Lube world-class lubricant blending and packaging factory located along Ganaja-Ajaokuta road in Lokoja over the weekend.

Ododo lauded President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for industrialization and private-sector investment since assumption of office.

He described the investment by Godec Power Nigeria Limited as a significant contribution to the state’s industrialization drive, job creation and economic prosperity.

He said that the establishment of the facility would go a long way in boosting the state’s economy.

The governor commended Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, for investing in a facility that would impact on the lives of the people.

“This great investment would no doubt provide employment opportunities for hundreds of Kogites as well as adding value to the local economy

“My administration will continue to welcome investors who were willing to process resources locally rather than take raw materials out of the state without creating corresponding economic benefits for its people” Ododo said

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a private sector capable of employing far more people than the public sector.

He announced a three-year waiver on selected state annual levies to encourage business growth. The waiver covers Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy.

He assured investors of his administration’s continued support, adding that Kogi possessed the strategic location, resources and human capacity to emerge as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, said that the company which was established in 2001 as an electricity trading business, had diversified into cargo tricycle assembly and distribution, lubricant production, plastic recycling, plastic container manufacturing, industrial tools and agricultural processing equipment.

He explained that the Confluence Lube facility produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers, while plans are underway to introduce hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease. Obika disclosed that the company had already created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs, adding that expansion to full operational capacity could increase employment to over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared himself the field commander of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT, saying he will also coordinate efforts in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the declaration on Monday, at a meeting of the Rainbow Coalition at his Abuja residence, attended by political leaders and candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Rivers State governor said the coalition was united behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition, urging members to put aside party differences and work towards a common goal.

He stressed that the presidential election was the coalition’s immediate priority, regardless of the parties its members belonged to.

“I want to let all of you know that we are going to work together. Nobody should say, ‘I am PDP’ or ‘I am APC.’ For the purpose of this election, we are together,” Wike said.

The meeting brought together APC and PDP chairmen, serving and former senators, National Assembly candidates and other political stakeholders from the FCT’s six area councils.

Wike defended the alliance, pointing to the 2024 Edo State governorship election as an example of how politicians from different parties could work together when they shared a common interest.

He argued that political affiliations should not prevent cooperation, particularly when the parties involved were pursuing the same objective.

He cited road construction, school renovations, police stations and other infrastructure projects as evidence of ongoing development.

Wike also listed the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the creation of the Women Affairs and Youth Development Secretariats among the administration’s achievements.

On the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the minister acknowledged the hardship but maintained that the benefits of Tinubu’s reforms would take time to emerge.

“Changing the economy of a country is not like a prayer,” he said.

Wike also threw his weight behind the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step towards tackling insecurity across the country.